ALUMNI NEWSLETTER @OCAD University
Welcome to OCAD U’s new alumni newsletter! As part of OCAD U’s thriving community, we look forward to sharing with you our latest news, activities and projects. Our campus has grown and our curriculum continues to nurture the minds of artists, designers and innovators.
Our alumni are found in countries all across the globe. Whether you remember it as OCA or the Ontario College of Art and Design, OCAD University is now Canada’s largest and most comprehensive art, design and media university.
Perhaps when you attended, most of your classes were at 100 McCaul St. or across the street at the Annex Building. We are growing!
During the past three years, OCAD U has focused on ensuring that its spaces support increased interdisciplinary learning to enhance our students’ education. Our Creative City Campus project is in full swing, building and renewing infrastructure while putting OCAD U on the map in Toronto’s dynamic downtown cultural corridor.
Rosalie Sharp Pavilion
Most recently, OCAD U officially re-opened the refurbished Rosalie Sharp Pavilion at 115 McCaul St. (Dundas and McCaul streets). Thanks to our generous donors Rosalie and Isadore Sharp, the building is now home to the university’s Experiential Learning Centre and new thesis space. An alumna of OCAD University, artist and designer Rosalie Sharp was the university’s first Chancellor, and purchased the building as a gift to the university in 1998.
We’re thrilled to provide more space for students to engage in the type of practical, hands-on learning that we are known for; to foster innovation, expertise and career success.
The Centre for Emerging Artists and Designers, on the third floor, has a wide scope of activities and opportunities to help students and recent graduates succeed in the working world.
Here, students and recent alumni can find work-integrated learning placements, jobs, attend special career-building events and programs, professional development, mentorship and networking opportunities.
George Reid House Officially Re-opens
OCAD University’s historic George Reid House officially re-opened in September. The dynamic renovation of the building included the addition of Indigenous artwork created by Inuk artist Couzyn van Heuvelen.
George Reid House is the original 1921 campus building of the Ontario College of Art (OCA) and the first building in Canada built specifically for the purpose of the education of professional artists and designers.
The building’s refurbishment includes the modernization of interior facilities, the creation of new event, meeting and program spaces, and the development of an enhanced circulation space with display opportunities.
The Creative City Campus project is funded by the Government of Ontario (through the Ministry Training, Colleges and Universities) and the Government of Canada through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (through the Federal Development Agency for Southern Ontario).
Artist Couzyn van Heuvelen, Elder Duke Redbird, President Sara Diamond, Jaime Watt, Chair, OCAD University Board of Governors and student Gabriel Rojas Hruska. Photo by Martin Iskander
Work by Couzyn van Heuvelen, photo by Martin Iskander
Come visit the Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers
Recent alumni are encouraged to come visit the new home of the Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers (CEAD) on Level 3 of 115 McCaul St. to receive career development services and to participate in a wide variety of activities. Recent alumni can remain involved with the university by:
- Working from the public 3rd floor space; holding meetings with clients and collaborators
- Meeting with Career Advisors to talk about their needs and aspirations
- Attending events such as the OCAD U Design Career Fair (March 2019)
- Chatting with the two Creative Professionals-In-Residence to ask career-related questions and to talk about their projects and goals
A rendering of the exterior of the Rosalie Sharp Pavilion. The stainless steel scrim, designed by Bortolotto Architects, represents a data visualization of downtown Toronto streets overlaid with arts and cultural institutions.
Ribbon-cutting ceremony at the re-opening of the Rosalie Sharp Pavilion.
Study art in Florence, Italy this spring and summer
OCAD University, Canada’s leader in preparing the next generation of contemporary artists, is pleased to be opening the doors of our Florence studio to the public!
A new set of non-credit courses being offered beginning this spring (2019) is open to the public of all skill levels, creative practitioners worldwide and the OCAD U community. These courses are led by OCAD U faculty members including Anda Kubis and Nicole Collins. You’ll have access to studio space in a quiet shared palazzo in Florence’s San Marco neighbourhood, group critiques, intro Italian lessons and group community events and tours.
Learn more about these courses including sample itineraries, course leader bios and other details.
Ignite Imagination
We have launched phase two of our Ignite Imagination fundraising campaign! The campaign, publicly launched in 2015, had an ambitious goal of $60 million. We’re happy to report that we have surpassed that goal, with $70 million in private and public support! This will support our Creative City Campus and infrastructure projects, our galleries, and our remarkable people and programs. In phase 2, our target is $30 million to achieve our stretch goal – an unprecedented $100 million. You can view our campaign video here.
Upcoming Alumni Events
Save the Date - Reunion 2019
Reunion Events Itinerary
- Alumni Reunion Celebration Reception for all graduate classes ending in ‘4’ or ‘9’ (from 1954 straight through to 2014) is taking place on Friday, May 3, 2019
- Alumni of Influence Awards – Saturday, May 4, 2019 (click here to nominate an alum)
- Alumni Lounge at 104th Graduate Exhibition – Friday, May 3 to Sunday, May 5, 2019
- Special GradEx Tours for Alumni – May 3 and May 4, 2019
For more information on upcoming OCAD University events, please visit the OCAD University Events Calendar
Keep in touch!
We look forward to keeping you informed and staying in touch. For the latest in OCAD U news, connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.